My name is Craig, and sometimes I review music.

Top 20 of 2013, Number 10: The 1975 – The 1975

Released: September Genre: Indie / Pop / Rock Metacritic Rating: 67%

Having existed for a few years now under a number of names The 1975 was the band’s first major attempt at mainstream success and they pulled it off brilliantly. What followed the UK number 1 album was sold out UK tours and numerous TV / gig opportunities abroad. With the band already set to play The Royal Albert Hall in April next year it looks like 2014 could be just as successful, and deservedly so. Absolute Punk described The 1975 as timeless, and it’s easy to see why. The band borrow from the 80’s pop and update it for a modern age, making for a memorable album that stands apart from a lot of the albums to see light this year because of its quirky and somewhat nostalgic nature. More traditional rock songs like ‘Sex’ are very well done, and the sublime ‘Chocolate’ will top many ‘Best Songs Of 2013’ list because it may be the catchiest song to have received airplay in years. It’ll be interesting to see how it ranks on Zane Lowe’s Hot 100 countdown, which will take place on Radio 1 later this month. I know I voted for it. ‘Settle Down’ and ‘Heart Out’ well replicate the style that A-ha defined, and there’s enough of the past and present on The 1975 to make it blissfully refreshing. The 1975 did things differently with their self-titled debut, and did so with a confidence and ability that surpassed their years.